Quality of the Food and Diet Composition in Indian Bison (Bosgaurus) Based On Fecal Analysis in Mookambika Wild Life Sanctuary, Karnataka

P.K. M. Prashanth, Vijaya Kumara, S. Thirumala

Abstract

Quality of food and Diet composition of the Indian Bison (Bosgaurus) was estimated by fecal analysis. The results, together with studies in other parts of India, indicate that gaurs are primarily intermediate or adaptable mixed feeders. Fecal composition varied seasonally, with high proportion of grasses, forbs, and woody plant leaves, particularly Cynodondactylon, Cyperusrotundusin monsoon and post monsoon, and Strobilanthescallosus, Strobilanthesixiocephalus, Grewiatiliaefoliaand Syzygiumcuminiin winter and summer. Gaur selected herbs, shrubs, and grasses, and avoided eating woody plants for most of the year. Seasonal changes in the chemical composition of the feces were related to changes in phenology. The levels of crude protein, within certain limitations, and lignin in the feces were probably the most reliable indicators of diet quality. The ratio of crude protein: lignin was highest in monsoon and winter, corresponding early growing and fruiting seasons respectively. The usefulness of feces in estimating the composition and quality of the diet of an intermediate feeder is assessed.